While fans gear up for a memorable season finale tonight on American Idol, the show already announced it will return for season 24 in 2026. Getting renewed for a new season, ABC looked to bring in an entirely new lineup of aspiring artists to give them a chance at stardom. But what about the judges? Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan have helped judge the competition since it returned. And with Katy Perry being replaced by Carrie Underwood, the producers might decide to change the lineup of judges. Although speculation for now, here are just a few celebrities who wouldn’t mind taking the job if we unfortunately see Underwood pull a one-and-done in the judge’s chair.
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Excited for a new season, the producers must first make it through tonight’s finale. Looking at the Top 3, either Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts, or John Foster will walk away the winner of season 23. While marking their debut on American Idol, the season also welcomed Underwood to the table of judges. Although loving her time on the show, it’s unclear if she will return for a second season.
‘American Idol’ Is “All About That Bass”
Even before Underwood was revealed as the newest judge, there were several names floated as Perry’s replacement. While it appeared that season 24 will most likely consist of Richie and Bryan, some wondered about Underwood. Just in case the singer decided to leave the show after only one season, Bryan once praised Meghan Trainor.
Just last year, Trainor expressed her hope to one day become a judge on American Idol. Having judged for shows like The Voice UK, and Australian Idol, she would definitely bring a great deal of knowledge. Discussing the possibility, Bryan insisted, “The whole thing about that role is you gotta have personality and you gotta have fun with it every day. And I think Meghan has fun with her career, she’s kind of like me. She doesn’t take herself too serious, she has fun with her music. So, yeah, that’d be great.”
[RELATED: Katy Perry’s Return to ‘American Idol’ Floated—but Not To Replace Carrie Underwood]
‘American Idol’ Looking To Add A Little “Pink”
Besides liking the idea of Trainor joining the ranks of American Idol, Bryan also revealed there were a few names thrown around when producers looked to replace Perry. And those names included both Pink and Miley Cyrus. With names like Trainor, Cyrus, and Pink, American Idol seemed to have a long list of amazing singers.
The One Country Singer Who Accepted The Job Without Being Offered
While the singers listed above would easily fit on American Idol, the first “Artist in Residence”, Jelly Roll, also threw his name into the running. When speaking about the possibility of becoming a judge, he declared, “I’ve accepted the job and they haven’t offered it.”
With season 24 not airing until 2026, fans must wait to see if Underwood decided to return or will American Idol once again find itself searching for a new judge.
(Photo by: Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images)
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